Game playing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention as described herein relate to a game with one or more vertical hoops on a pole. The apparatus is typically setup in the center of the playing area, and may involve two teams, or two players whose goal is to through objects such as balls through the hoop or hoops to win. Sensors placed in close proximity to the hoop or hoops display the score on a scoreboard.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a throwing game apparatus, particularly to an apparatus having a hoop or hoops located on a pole, more particularly to an apparatus with sensors attached to or embedded within the hoop or hoops that display scores on a scoreboard.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 1,258,931 discloses a game apparatus, requiring a player to bounce a ball through a ring. Game apparatus, comprising a resilient ball, a ring through which the ball is adapted to be bounced, and a sectional standard to support the ring at variable distances from the ground and at variable angles with respect to the vertical and consisting of a base, a plurality of superposed rods and coupling members for detachably uniting said rods.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,372 discloses a water target game played with a ball or projectile for use in places such as amusement parks or the home. It consists of a circular target supported by a pole which is placed between two pods with spray nozzles. A water supply hose connects to the base of the target. Inside the base are control valves which regulate the flow of water to the spray nozzles in the pods. A motion sensor is located in the circular target. Indicator lights prompt players when to throw a projectile through the target. The free-standing projectile target comprises a projectile target frame fixedly attached at its base to support pole. Support pole may be attached to target support base by any conventional manner. The frame defines an enclosed circular target area. In order to verify that a projectile has successfully passed through target area, a motion detector is disposed adjacent with target frame. Support pole may be of any appropriate height and is preferably variable in order to facilitate a target of varying height and concomitant difficulty.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,066 discloses a game for at least two players wherein one of the players manually propels a disk-shaped projectile so as to glide the projectile through one of at least three hoops positioned in a common plane and mounted between the players such that the projectile may be caught by the other of the players after the projectile has glided through one of the hoops. Three hoops are arranged so that at least two hoops abut at least one other hoop and the upper end portion of the supporting structure. The hoops are mounted at a predetermined level above the playing surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,939 discloses a game target including multiple hoop members in stacked relationship with one another. The target is attached to a tubular post that is supported by a base of an adequate size and weight to provide target stability. The post may be of an adjustable, telescopic nature to permit vertical positioning of the following described hoops.

US20070052178 discloses a toy device for flying objects, and more specifically, an adjustable target ring through which objects such as flying discs may be thrown. An adjustable target includes a base for stabilizing the target, an elongate stand connected to the base and having an adjustable orientation relative to the base, and a ring rotatably connected to the stand and defining an aperture through which a flying object may pass, if thrown or launched sufficiently accurately. A connector and an extension member may be installed to provide a target having a relatively greater height, and may be removed to provide a target having a relatively lesser height. Similarly, in some embodiments, additional connectors and extension members may be included to provide targets having various heights. A plurality of primary longitudinal members having various heights may be provided.

U.S. D730460 illustrates a throwing target with a tiltable circular ring slightly atilt. The throwing target may have its tiltable circular ring vertically disposed.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,310 discloses a multidimensional interchangeable modular ball game apparatus is used for building game playing skills, such as hand-to-eye and foot-to-eye coordination. The apparatus can be used for throwing, kicking or hitting any type of sports ball and can help with practicing all types of sports, as well as with early childhood development and rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a base with a stem extending from the base. Arms of different lengths are supported by the stem and may also be placed at different heights. Different geometrically shaped hoops and targets of varying sizes and colors can be made with an open or closed net. Another embodiment includes a horizontal beam stand with hoops attached to the stand. A mounting sleeve has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the stem so that the mounting sleeve telescopes onto the top end of the stem 30 and slides down to the desired height.

US20200061430 discloses a ball game equipment kit including a ball, at least one launch, a bat, at least one goal, and a C-area. The bat is for use of batting the ball off the launch in an attempt to score points by hitting the ball 10 into the goal. The goal has a goal base and a goal height adjustment part connected between the goal base and the hoop. The goal height adjustment part has at least two goal poles including a first goal pole slidably inserted into a second goal pole.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,008,359 discloses a game comprising a standard provided with a plurality of rings in different positions, through which the players in turn attempt to throw or toss a ball by means of a special playing tool or device. Also provided is an improved system of play and scoring which materially increases the interest in the game.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,368 discloses a basketball score-keeping apparatus for detecting and tracking shooting statistics of a player shooting a basketball at a basketball goal. The apparatus also tracks the shooting statistics of the player. The apparatus may also include a display. The apparatus may be coupled to other similar apparatuses to allow competition between players. Vibration and verification sensors may be part of the apparatus (10) in order to provide additional features. The computing device 24 is preferably coupled with a display 30 and a keypad 32. The display 30 is for displaying the shooting statistics generated by the computing device 24. The display 30 maybe positioned adjacent the computing device 24 or may be configured for mounting on or near the backboard 16 so that it can be seen during use of the apparatus 10. The display 30 may be any display or monitor such as an LCD display, a touch screen, or any high visibility display. The verification sensor 40 verifies that a shot is made. The verification sensor 40 is coupled with the computing device 24 and configured for mounting on the backboard 16 preferably under the rim 18. The verification sensor 40 generates a signal and sends it to the computing device 24 when the basketball 12 passes through the rim 18 so as to verify that a shot has been made.

All documents mentioned above are incorporated in their entirety.

None of the above cited documents, alone or in combination, satisfy the need for a simple ball game that can be played on any surface, that can be adapted for all ages and abilities. There therefore remains a need for a ball game for one or more players, or teams of players that can have varying degrees of difficulty and that automatically keeps and displays the score.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a game playing apparatus.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a game playing apparatus, comprising: a pole, having an upper and lower end; one or more hoops attached to the upper end of said pole; one or more sensors positioned on or in close approximation to each of said hoops; a scoreboard and operatively associated with said one or more sensors; and one or more throwing objects, wherein when one of the one or more objects passes through one of said one or more hoops, one or more of said sensors registers a score on said scoreboard.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for a game playing apparatus, comprising: a pole, having an upper and lower end; one or more hoops attached to the upper end of said pole; one or more sensors positioned on or in close approximation to each of said hoops; a scoreboard operatively associated with said one or more sensors; and instructions for assembly.

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols.

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of item 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an aspect 200 of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative aspect 300 of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an aspect 400 of the subject matter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention as described herein relate to a game with one or more vertical hoops on a pole. The apparatus is typically setup in the center of the playing area, and may involve two teams, or two players whose goal is to through objects such as balls through the hoop or hoops to win.

Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the game apparatus. An essentially circular hoop 102 is attached to the top of a telescoping pole 106. The telescoping pole 106 of this embodiment has an upper section 108, a middle section 110, and a lower section 112. Other embodiments may have fewer or more sections. The hoop 102 has a series of sensors 116 embedded within the hoop. When an object, such as a ball, passes through the hoop 102 this is recorded as a point. A scoreboard 104 may be attached to the telescoping pole 106 at a position that is clearly visible to players. In certain embodiments of the invention, an on switch 118 and an off switch 120 may be located on a portion of the apparatus, and are shown here on either ends of the scoreboard 104. Depending on the sizing and positioning of the on switch 118 and off switch 120, they may be actuated manually or by one of said throwing objects. The scoreboard 104 displays the score in real-time. In this embodiment of the invention, the telescoping pole 106 is attached to a base 114.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the game apparatus. The essentially circular hoop 102 may be comprised of one or more sections. FIG. 2 shows a hoop 102 comprising an upper part 202 and a lower part 206 of the hoop 102 that are joined by means of a connection 204.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the game apparatus. The essentially circular hoop 102 additionally has a series of outer hoops 306 attached to it. A series of one or more sensors 116 are positioned on each hoop such that a tally of the score can be displayed on the scoreboard 104. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the scoreboard 104 is attached to lower down on the pole 308, in closer approximation to the playing surface 310. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention shown in this figure the pole 308 is of a fixed length. In this embodiment, the on switch 118 and an off switch 120 is located on either side of an upper portion of the pole 308. The pole 308 is not attached to a base but embedded into the playing surface 310 by means known to those of skill in the art at a playing surface to post interface 304.

FIG. 4 illustrates a typical layout of a field or playing surface 310. A player or players may be positioned on either side of the apparatus and toss objects, such as balls 402, through the hoop.

The game is envisaged for 2 teams of various number of players. In the alternative, the game can be played with just two individuals. Moreover, the apparatus may be used by individuals to improve their game playing skills and hand-to-eye coordination.

The game apparatus may be placed in the center or to the side of the playing area. The vertical supporting pole 308 may be of a unitary construction or it may consist of two or more sections and be of a telescoping pole 106 type-construction. The telescoping pole 106 allows the target area or hoop(s) to be lowered or raised to accommodate the abilities of different players.

The pole 308 or telescoping pole 106 may be attached at the lower end to a base, or it may be sunk into the playing surface 310. The telescoping pole 106 allows the game apparatus to be stored in a small space of to be sold as a kit.

It is contemplated that one hoop 102, or more, can be removably affixed to the top of the pole 308 or telescoping pole 106. The hoop 102 or hoops may be of differing sizes or colors, indeed a cluster of different sized hoops may form the target surface. The hoops can be assembled and dis-assembled at the connection 204 and hoop to post connection 302 points. This again aids in the storage of the apparatus when not in use and enables a merchandisable kit to be sold.

For embodiments that are designed to be sold as a kit, it is contemplated that various different parts, are constructed with joints that are easy to assemble and dis-assemble. Such joints are known to those skilled in the art and may be selected form mortise and tenon components, friction fit joints, pin joints, prismatic joints, ball joints, knuckle joints, turnbuckle joints, bolted joints, screw joints, universal joints or joints that are held in place by cotter pins. Such joints will permit various interconnecting hoop attachments to be secured in place when a telescoping pole 106 is used. These joints not only enable simple assembly of the hoop members in a detachable manner, which enables compact stowage and shipping of the target, the joints additionally allows the hoop members to be positioned so as to face in the same or different directions.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the hoop 102 or outer hoops 306 may have lights attached or embedded within them. Typically, it is envisaged that the lights would be of an LED-type, metal halide or halogen.

The objects to be thrown through the hoop or hoops may be balls, and they may be manufactured to be all of the same color, or of differing colors. In confined spaces, where it is not preferable that balls may roll into neighboring properties or onto or roads, then it is contemplated that other objects such as bean bags or disc shaped projectiles may be thrown.

The sensors 116 may be are affixed to or embedded in the hoop or hoops. The sensors 116 may be any device operable to sense passage of the object through the hoop 102 or outer hoops 306 such as an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a camera or a mechanical switch assembly. The sensors 116 may be programmed to detect different colors, in the embodiment of the invention wherein different players or teams are using different colored objects.

The scoreboard 104 can also be reprogrammed to change the rules of the game, and assign different point values to the different hoop 102 or outer hoops 306. It is contemplated that when the hoops are of different diameters, to provide varying target areas, the hoops are accorded point values that decrease as the areas of the hoops are increased. The scoreboard 104 may be attached to any part of the game apparatus, or it may be situated on a nearby pole or structure such as a wall, building or a fence. Alternative embodiments comprise a separate stand-alone device which may be hand-held. In certain embodiments of the invention, the sensors and the scoreboard may be connected wirelessly.

The game can be played on any surface. On certain playing surfaces 310, such as concrete or tarmac or a gym floor, the pole 308 or telescoping pole 106 will likely be attached to a base 114. On softer surfaces, such as grass or playgrounds, the pole 308 or telescoping pole 106 may be buried in the ground to a depth that is necessary to maintain the pole 308 or telescoping pole 106 vertical. Alternatively, concrete may be used to secure the pole 308 or telescoping pole 106 if a more permanent installation is required. In installations where it is preferred to have the apparatus to be movable, it is contemplated that the pole, whether telescopic or of a fixed length, be attached to a base.

The sensors 116 are configured to send information relating to when an object had passed through a hoop 102 to the scoreboard 104 which then keeps track of and displays the score in real-time. The scoreboard and sensors 116 combination are electrically powered, typically via battery or solar panels, although it is within the scope of this invention that the apparatus is connected to a mains power supply. A mains power supply, in perhaps a municipal park, may also be used to power the embodiments of the invention having hoops that are illuminated.

In one embodiment, the game will require multiple balls for each team to use with each team having their own color or pattern. The game will involve each team throwing their own balls through the hoop to score points. First to reach the target score wins the round. Or reach the highest score within a time limit. Teammates can stay on either side and/or can run to other side and will need to collect balls and rethrow or pass to teammates to throw.

In one embodiment the object of the game is to score an exact points score, with the hoops being provided with varying sized areas having different points values.

In other embodiments, the rules of the game would require that team members are required to catch the object. Other rules may require that each team must pass the object through each of the hoops to prevent the continual use of the larger, easier hoops to obtain excessive point values. Numerous variations of the rules of the game, when played with the apparatus as described and illustrated herein, are considered as being part of the invention.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A game playing apparatus, comprising: a pole, having an upper and lower end; one or more hoops attached to the upper end of said pole; one or more sensors positioned on or in close approximation to each of said hoops; a scoreboard operatively associated with said one or more sensors; and one or more throwing objects, wherein when one of the one or more objects passes through one of said one or more hoops, one or more of said sensors registers a score on said scoreboard.
 2. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower end of said pole comprises an adaptation to interact with a playing surface.
 3. The game playing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said adaptation is a base.
 4. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pole is telescopic.
 5. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one or more hoops are oriented in a vertical plane.
 6. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein one hoop is attached to the upper end of said pole.
 7. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one or more hoops are different sizes.
 8. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one or more hoops are different colors.
 9. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one or more hoops are illuminated.
 10. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said scoreboard is attached to the upper end of said pole.
 11. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said scoreboard is attached to the lower end of said pole.
 12. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said scoreboard is a device that may be connected to a nearby structure, such as a fence, wall, building or post, or is a separate stand-alone device which may be hand-held.
 13. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of said scoreboard and sensors are powered by mains or grid electricity, solar or battery power.
 14. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising an on and off switch which may be sized and located for actuation manually or by one of said throwing objects.
 15. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensors are selected from the group consisting of ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, camera or a mechanical switch assembly.
 16. The game playing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the throwing objects are two or more different colors, and each different color objects are identified differently by the one or more sensors.
 17. A kit for a game playing apparatus, comprising: a pole, having an upper and lower end; one or more hoops attached to the upper end of said pole; one or more sensors positioned on or in close approximation to each of said hoops; a scoreboard operatively associated with said one or more sensors; and instructions for assembly.
 18. The kit of claim 17, additionally a comprising a base.
 19. The kit of claim 17, wherein said pole is telescopic.
 20. The kit of claim 17, additionally comprising one or more throwing objects selected from the group comprising balls, discs or bean bags, said objects being of either the same of different color. 